Can I Use a Steamer to Clean Bamboo Floors?

Maintenance

• Bamboo flooring is durable; protecting its surfaces against wear and tear preserves your flooring while keeping its beauty intact. Using area rugs or runners near exterior doors and high traffic areas can help with preventing scuffs and scratches on your bamboo floor. Sweeping with a broom or dry mopping using untreated microfiber pads helps with removing dust and dirt. Steam cleaners designed for cleaning hardwood flooring may be used on bamboo flooring, but avoid excess moisture deposits to preserve your bamboo flooring.

Moisture and Bamboo Flooring

• Bamboo floors cannot tolerate excessive or standing moisture. Avoid mopping or washing your bamboo floors with large amounts of water; this can cause streaks or leave areas of standing moisture. Bamboo floors may warp or buckle if left wet. Always inspect after cleaning your bamboo floors and mop up any streaks, puddles or spills as they occur. Bamboo floors benefit from humidity levels of 30 to 50 percent, but prolonged exposure to excess humidity can cause warping. Too little humidity can cause bamboo floors to contract, which increases spaces between planks. When using a steam cleaner on bamboo floors, cover the steam vents with a dry, untreated microfiber cloth. This prevents excess moisture and controls the amount of steam contacting your bamboo floors.

Gentle Cleaning

• Clean your bamboo floors using products designated for hardwood flooring. Avoid detergents, solvents and oil soaps that can harm or discolor your bamboo floors. Steam cleaning sanitizes and cleans your bamboo floors without using harsh chemicals. If you use a cleaning agent, read the directions carefully and mix the cleaning agent with water in recommended proportions. Verify that the cleaning agent you're using is appropriate for bamboo flooring before cleaning. If you're unsure about the safety of a cleaning product for bamboo floors, consult your flooring manufacturer's brochure or website for further information.

Protecting Bamboo Floors

• Take care of your bamboo floors using a few easy steps to help keep them attractive and looking like new between cleanings. Avoid walking on your bamboo floors in shoes with cleats or high heels. Keep your pets' toenails trimmed, and teach family members to quickly clean up any spills and dirt that's tracked in over your bamboo floors. Lift furniture when moving it rather than dragging it over unprotected bamboo flooring. A little vigilance and routine care can prevent scratches, nicks and serious damage to your bamboo floors.